The Ethics of Uncertainty: Entangled Ethical and Epistemic Risks in Disorders of Consciousness

The ethics of uncertainty is a philosophical and bioethical framework that examines the entanglement of epistemic and ethical uncertainty in Disorders of Consciousness (DoCs) and other medical contexts. It challenges longstanding bioethical dogmas about DoC patients and argues for an ethics of uncertainty that focuses on inductive risk and uncertainty, respect for autonomy, and epistemic justice. This approach enables surrogate decision makers to fulfill their obligations as moral and epistemic agents in decisional contexts where uncertainty and ethical risk interact.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Disorders of Consciousness (DoCs) present intricate and profound inquiries into the significance of life for individuals with impaired consciousness, the rights of those who are unable to make medical decisions, and our societal, medical, and ethical responsibilities towards patients whose personhood has often been questioned and disregarded. Recent advancements in neuroscientific research have shed light on the diverse nature of these disorders, leading to a heightened understanding of their heterogeneity and a renewed focus on the medical and ethical challenge of misdiagnosis. In this comprehensive book, philosopher and bioethicist L. Syd M. Johnson delves into the intricate interplay of epistemic and ethical uncertainty in DoCs and other medical contexts, exploring how they interact to generate both epistemic and ethical risks.

Johnson skillfully weaves together a diverse range of threads, including the ontological mysteries of consciousness, the medical uncertainty surrounding unconsciousness, the prevalence of ableist bias, the practice of withdrawing treatment in neurointensive care, and the commonly held belief that consciousness is integral to personhood and moral status. Through his thoughtful analysis, Johnson challenges longstanding bioethical dogmas regarding DoC patients, advocating for an ethics of uncertainty in situations where decisive action is required amidst unavoidable uncertainty.

The ethics of uncertainty reframes the ethical inquiry surrounding individuals with DoCs, shifting the emphasis from their contested personhood to inductive risk and uncertainty, respect for autonomy, and, particularly, epistemic justice. This ethical approach empowers surrogate decision-makers confronted with challenging and risky choices to fulfill their obligations as moral and epistemic agents. With applications spanning various decisional contexts where uncertainty and ethical risk intersect, this ethical framework provides valuable guidance for those tasked with making critical decisions on behalf of individuals with DoCs.

In conclusion, Disorders of Consciousness raise complex and multifaceted questions that require careful consideration. By examining the entanglement of epistemic and ethical uncertainty in DoCs and other medical contexts, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of bioethics. Through its exploration of the ethics of uncertainty, Johnson provides a framework for navigating the ethical challenges posed by these disorders, promoting respect for autonomy, epistemic justice, and the value of life for individuals with impaired consciousness.

Weight: 466g
Dimension: 148 x 216 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190943646